iMessage Waiting for Activation: How to Fix the Issue on iPhone or iPad

Stuck at iMessage "Waiting for Activation" on iPhone running iOS 12 or earlier? You've arrived at the right troubleshooting guide as we’ve discussed several workable tricks that can fix iMessage issue on iPhone!

While you are trying to activate iMessage on iPhone, you may face a weird issue. Particullarly, a new user with a new phone faces the issue during set up. The most common error in iMessage is “Waiting for activation”. Apart from new devices, even existing devices may face this random issue if they change carriers.

Talking about iMessage errors, some of the common encounters are, “Waiting for activation,” “Activation unsuccessful,” “An error occurred during activation,” or “Could not sign in, please check your network connection.” The problem could be due to several reasons. That’s why we’ve looked into all the possible aspects and discussed solutions accordingly.

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Many times it is just a matter of small fix and things start to run smoothly again. But there are times when a simple issue can create a havoc during setup. Whatever may be the case, we have listed down all the possible fixes to this problem. One of them or maybe the combination of a few fixes will help you resolve the issue. But before you jump to the solutions part, make sure you read the basics first.

Before We Start To Fix iMessage Waiting for Activation Issue in iOS 12 or Earlier

You’ll need to sort these things out:

Make sure you’ve got your number listed in the Phone app. If not, you’ll need to go to Settings → Phone → Your Name and enter your number.

Make sure Date & Time are correct. Besides, ensure that Time Zone is set correctly. Settings → General → Date & Time → turn on the switch next to Set Automatically.

In some cases, iMessage activation may take up to 24 hours. If it doesn’t get enabled even after a day, contact your carrier.

Contact your Carrier support team and verify any limiting condition on your iMessage, blocks, or filters on text messages. And ensure that you are fully onboard. I mean make sure you are allowed to send/receive SMS.

For some users, the message sent out for activation goes out as an international SMS. Make sure your carrier permits it, and you have sufficient amount for it.

Be sure you have enough credit on your SIM card if you are using pre-paid plans. According to some iPhone users who had run into the same problem, the iMessage won’t activate if there is no SMS credit.

At times, Apple runs into system issues that affect iMessage and FaceTime. Thus, it’s better to check out Apple’s system status upfront. If iMessage is marked in yellow or red, it’s affected by system issue.

Having taken a close look at some of the essential things, let’s give a try to some of the practical tricks. The rule is pretty simple. Start with the first one and move to give the next one a chance only if it doesn’t get the work done.

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How to Fix iMessage Waiting for Activation Error on iPhone

Solution #1. Check Out Internet Connection

Both iMessage and FaceTime require a very good internet connection to work properly. Hence, make sure your internet connection is up to the mark.

Open Settings → Wi-Fi/Cellular → turn off the switch, reboot your device and turn on Wi-Fi/Cellular.

Now, check out if the problem is gone. If you are still stuck with the issue, try out the next solution.

Solution #2. Turn Off/ON iMessage and Hard Reset Your Device

Give a fresh stance to the iMessage and your iPhone. This little trick has worked for a few users. So, I’m expecting it to get the job done for you as well.

Step #1. Open Settings app → Messages → Turn off iMessage.

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Step #2. Now, reboot your iOS device:

On iPhone 6s/iPhone SE or earlier, hold Power button and Home button at once for about 10 seconds.

To hard reset iPhone 7/7 Plus, press and hold volume down button and Home button. To force restart your iPhone 8/8 Plus or later, head over to this post.

Step #3. When your device has restarted, turn on iMessage.

Assuming you have got rid of the issue. Just in case, the problem is still lingering around, do not be disappointed as there are still a few tricks left in our sleeve.

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Solution #3. Update Your iPhone’s Carrier Settings

Did you know that carrier provider releases updates to improve performance and even resolve some issues from time to time? So, check out if there is an update available. And if it’s waiting for you, go for it.

Step #1. Make sure Wi-Fi or Cellular is enabled on your device. Open Settings → General.

Step #2. Tap on About. If there is an update available, you will get the option to update it.

You can see the version of the carrier settings next to Carrier.

When you insert a new SIM card into your iPhone, you need to download the carrier setting for your new carrier.

Solution #4. Apple ID Sign-out, Sign-in

No success as yet? It’s time to sign out and sign back in to Apple ID account. Yeah, it does sound to be a bit funny. But believe me, it has clicked for some users. Hopefully, you may get through as well.

Step #1. Under Settings → Message, scroll down to where it says ‘Send & Receive’ and tap on it.

Step #2. Tap on the Apple ID and then press Sign Out.

Step #3. Switch off iMessage now.

Step #4. Wait for a while (turn on/off Wifi) and then switch ON iMessage.

Solution #5. Go For Software Update

Whenever Apple releases a software update, I make sure to update my device. It helps me shoot out miscellaneous issues and boost the performance of the device. Therefore, I would recommend you to give a shot to this trusted troubleshooter as well.

Open Settings app → Tap on General → Tap on Software Update and then install the update as usual.

Once you have successfully updated your device, the issue should be resolved.

Don’t lose your heart, if the villain is still creating the roadblock.

Solution #6. If Nothing Works…

As they say, “Tough times call for tough measures.” So, we are going to wipe out all the existing content and settings and restore the device as new. But before going for this radical solution, ensure your iPhone is fully backed up.

Open Settings app → General → Tap on Reset → Tap on Erase All Content and Settings → Enter iPhone Passcode → then confirm. Next up, set up your device as desired.

Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com who has a keen eye for news, rumors and all the unusual stuff that happens around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting contents on social media.